Following Key Bridge collapse, NJ & NY pledge support

Listen to this article

As the City of Baltimore and its port continue dealing with the aftermath from this week’s tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, New Jersey and New York are offering support. That includes efforts to minimize supply chain disruptions.

By now, you have surely seen the horrific images of the iconic Baltimore bridge collapsing into the water. A large container ship struck the crossing after losing control following a power loss. “The images of the Francis Scott Key Bridge lying collapsed are horrific,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said in a March 26 statement, the day of the event. He expressed his condolences on behalf of the people of Newark. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone in Newark go to the people of Baltimore, who we consider a kindred major American city. We are ready to assist Baltimore in any way we can.”

As cleanup and recovery efforts continue, the Port of Baltimore remains closed indefinitely.

“Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by this collapse,” Bethann Rooney, port director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said in a March 26 statement. “The Port Authority is in touch with our counterparts in Baltimore, and we stand ready to assist with emergency resources and any other assistance that may be needed. The Port of New York and New Jersey is proactively working with our industry partners to respond as needed and ensure supply chain continuity along the East Coast.”

Helping hand

On March 28, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul released a joint statement. The leaders stressed their states are ready to support Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the people of the Old Line State in any way.

“The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has touched every corner of the nation,” the statement said. “We have seen over the past several years that indefinite port closures can impact national and global supply chains, which hurt everyday consumers the hardest. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey can take on additional cargo, and we have directed the Authority to further evaluate all available resources to minimize supply chain disruptions. Along with our federal partners, we will continue to work together to support our neighbors in Baltimore and consumers nationwide.”